The Canterbury Shears’ national Corriedale shearing and woolhandling championships are confirmed to take place in November, despite the Canterbury A&P Society's decision to cancel the New Zealand Agricultural Show.

Despite the decision not to host the show this year, shearing and other sections have been working to ensure their events still take place. Jonathon Carden-Holdstock, the new chairman of the shears committee and a cattle farmer from Banks Peninsula, announced that the championships will proceed on November 14-15, coinciding with the traditional show week.

This decision, unanimously made at a recent committee meeting, is contingent upon finalising some arrangements. The committee has expressed its gratitude to the various sponsors who are making the event possible.

The woolhandling championships are set for Thursday, followed by the shearing competitions on Friday, which will also include the third round of the PGG Wrightson/Vetmed National Shearing Circuit. 

Shearing Sports New Zealand chairman Sir David Fagan expressed his confidence in the committee’s determination to stage the event, given their successful track record in times of crisis. The 2024 event will mark the 57th Canterbury Shears.

2024/2025 PGG Wrightson/Vetmed National Shearing Circuit dates:

4-5 October 2024 - NZ Merino Shearing Championships - Alexandra

11-12 October 2024 - NZ Spring Shears - Waimate

14-15 November 2024 - NZ Corriedale Shearing/Woolhandling Championships - Christchurch

1 February 2025 - Rangitikei Shears - Marton

23 February 2025 - Pahiatua Shears - Pahiatua

27 February - 1 March 2025 - Golden Shears - Masterton